He told the Wigan Evening Post: ""I don't see any reason why Wigan can't nick a European spot as they are fast emerging as a very capable team.
"Paul Jewell is doing a phenomenal job and I don't think there's a better young manager in the Premiership.
"To guide them to 10th place last season and to reach the League Cup final was a stunning achievement.
"When I joined Latics, they were 18th in the old third division, but now they are established as a genuine Premiership force. It is a football fairytale, but I reckon they are just writing the first chapter."